Getting very close to ordering a new tow truck for the 38RL. We've been waiting for the new FORD Superduty trucks, and we drove a few this week, love it!

Two major decisions that I would like input on from other owners please. first, SRW vs. DRW. I drove both, and have pulled the 38RL with a SRW with air bags up until now. I'm leaning towards the DRW. I test drove one in some tight parking lots, etc. The trade offs seem to be more control and security while towing for the DRW, versus easier maneuvering and ride comfort while not towing for the SRW. Any input?

Secondly, the gear ratios are 3.55 or 4.10. With all the technology (tow/haul mode, 3 mode engine exhaust brake, hill start assist, 6 spd trans) and all the power, I'm thinking 3.55 gears would be best overall for a dual purpose truck that will be driven at least half the time unhitched. Again, would like to hear your experiences and thoughts.

Congrats.
Personally I would go with the drw mine with 8ft box rides smoother empty than my srw shortbox did. I have 373 gears and am very happy with them. With the power in these new trucks 410 are really not necessary

There has been extensive input provided on this site regarding SRW vs.DRW TV choice, and each situation requires consideration. I'm one of a few who had towed our Redwood with a SRW and traded a perfectly good truck on a DRW. Some on here have said that it was not necessary, but I can tell you from personal experience that the feel, stability and security the DRW provides makes me glad I made that choice. Not to mention how our rear tires on the SRW were drastically overloaded, which is not the case with the DRW.

I would bet that with the new transmissions, the 4:10 unloaded will still get close to the same mileage. I personally would get the 4:10 DRW. I do not think that you would have any regrets a year from now...

There has been extensive input provided on this site regarding SRW vs.DRW TV choice, and each situation requires consideration. I'm one of a few who had towed our Redwood with a SRW and traded a perfectly good truck on a DRW. Some on here have said that it was not necessary, but I can tell you from personal experience that the feel, stability and security the DRW provides makes me glad I made that choice. Not to mention how our rear tires on the SRW were drastically overloaded, which is not the case with the DRW.

I agree, I towed a slightly smaller (41 Foot) SOB 5th Wheel prior to my Redwood with a SRW, first long trip from Florida to Texas and back, I traded for a DRW when I got back to Florida.
I have been coast to coast several times with the DRW, love the stability of the DRW.

Kevin,
I have a 2014 38GK. When I bought the rig, I had an almost new 2012 F350 SRW. I took the truck and trailer to the scales and found that I was almost 1200 lbs over weight, payload. Redwoods are very heavy pin weight. BTW, we are sometimes "long timers" so we are loaded plus we have a washer dryer.

I replaced the SRW with a 2014 DRW F450. The F350 had a slightly higher payload capacity than the F450 but I chose the F450 for a few reasons.

First the F450 has a 9 1/2 shorter turning radius. The spot I back the trailer into at my home is very tight. The shorter turning radius is huge for me.

Second, the F450 sits almost 2" lower and has a much softer ride unloaded.

The downside is that the F450 only comes with a 430 rear end. It lowers the fuel economy some but the above mentioned pluses far out weighed the gas mileage for me.

I towed with an SRW and now DRW. Would never go back as long as I'm pulling the RW. I also use the truck as a daily driver. You just learn to park a little farther out, fold the mirrors in, and get a little more exercise. Pretty sure my rear end is a 3.55 and it does just fine. 17 mpg consistent unhitched, 11 hitched.

Unless its a daily driver that you are worried about fuel, I would personally go for the DRW and 4.10.

I hated the dually overall as general transportation, but it sure was a nice towing platform. I traded a 2008 F350 dually with 4.10 for a 2014 F350 dually with 3.73, and I really felt the difference in the mountains. Not only did it not have as much towing power, but it didn't engine brake as well either. I for sure wouldn't want 3.55.

I just took possession of a 2017 F350 DRW with the 3:55 RR. Had 35 miles on it when we hitched it to our RW and pulled it 1600 miles. I agonized on whether to get the 3:55 or 4:10 RR. I expect the MPG to increase some as the engine gets some miles on it. The truck will pulling the RW 95% of the time. We travel mountains very, very little so chose the 3:55. In the mentioned trip I averaged 10.4 pulling and when not 17. Time will tell. So far really like the truck.